Funfare Update
iron bed which served as stage during our Saturday performances for our neighbors in Iloilo. That was my theatrical debut. I also sang in our version of the cherubim choir in our Protestant Church in La Paz, Iloilo. Yes, I started early!” More excerpts from Tariman’s story: Behn’s first play was Hay Fever performed in Central Methodist Church in what is now T.M. Kalaw. In the cast was Eleanor “Didi” Reyes, the youngest sister of Norman Reyes, the youthful radio announcer who witnessed (with Leon Ma. Guerrero and Raul Manglapus) the Fall of Bataan. “After a couple of plays like A Happy Journey from Trentonto Camden by Thorton Wilder and Murder in the Cathedral by T.S. Eliott in the UP Dramatic Club, I directed a scene from Mister Roberts. Cast as Ensign Pulver was Lino Brocka. I had an auspicious beginning as a director, I must say.”
As a student, he said he bravely directed Lawani, an original musical, Idiot’s Delight, A Hatful of Rain and The Play Is the Thing.
When he returned from the United States, he turned to Broadway musicals like Bye Bye Birdie, Once Upon a Mattress, Guys and Dolls and the first production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Soon after, he became an activist and directed Theatre in the Streets and Theatre of Protest. “I continued to direct such plays after Martial Law was declared and received an A-B-C-B Degree for plays as Pagsambang Bayan, Sigaw ng Bayan and Estados Unidos versus Juan Matapang Cruz and other Ibagsak plays. By the way, ABCB stands for Aguinaldo, Bicutan, Crame and Bonifacio, the military camps I was detained throughout those years.”
As of presstime yesterday afternoon, Lollie still wasn’t sure where the wake will be held.
“What I know is that his wish is to be cremated,” said Lollie.
Johanna Datul ready for Miss Supranational 2013 contest
2013 Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational Mutya Johanna Datul has come a long way from being “simpleng probinsyana na may matayog na pangarap” to being the country’s bet in the 2013 Miss Supranational to be held on Sept. 6 in Belarus where the reigning title-holder Ekaterina Buraya hails from.
At the send-off last Tuesday at the Gloria Maris restaurant at Gateway Mall, the 21-year-old 5’8” stunner (Miss Photogenic and Best in Long Gown at the Bb. Pilipinas pageant) told the media, “I am overwhelmed and excited to represent the Philippines.”
The battle-ready Mutya has undergone rigid training including lessons on the culture and general information about Belarus, gym sessions, pasarela lessons, and language and personality development classes to television guestings, ramp shows, photo shoots and various appearances at high-profile events. She’s the first binibini to compete overseas this year. 2013 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Ariella Arida will compete in the Miss Universe Pageant in Russia on Nov. 9. —Text and photo by CELSO
DE GUZMAN CAPARAS